Running Canada for a cause

Ontario’s Derek Campbell is running across Canada to raise funds for sick and hungry children of the world, all the while paying respect to veterans and raising awareness about environmental issues in the country. On July 24, after two weeks into the journey, he had run from St. John’s to Gander.

GANDER, NL – With work boots showing signs of wear, a recycled vest and work gloves, Derek Campbell is running Canada for a cause.

Calling his trek the CREW – Canada Runs for the Entire World – Run Revolution, Campbell’s goal is to raise funds for sick and hungry children throughout the world. He’s also using the run as a means of paying respect to the country’s veterans and raise awareness about the environment, littering and pollution. “Hopefully, by me running across the country, it will spark inspiration for others to push for change as well,” he said.

He’d had the idea for quite some time, but made a final decision last year when he started training — losing 90 pounds in the process — for the endurance run.

After making his way to St. John’s, the 32-year-old Ontario man started at Mile Zero, the same as Terry Fox, to head West towards British Columbia.

He set out on his journey July 7 and by last week had made it to Gander.

On his best day, Campbell covered some 45 kilometres, all the while carrying approximately 50 pounds of water, food and other gear, in his backpack.

While he’s been doing the run, for the most part, without too much publicity, he says he’s hopes to change that.

“Right now, I need some kind of sponsor to get my name out there, I know that I want 100 per cent of the proceeds to go to areas that are hurting really bad,” he said. “But I’m not living up to my full potential. If I were able to line up a support vehicle, I’d be able to take in donations, food, clothing, shoes and other items these people are in need of.”

“But I know I’m just going to keep running until it sparks change.”

Having conquered more than half of the province, Campbell says he’s feeling stronger with each passing day and the people he’s meeting along the way provide him the motivation to conquer the country.

“At first I was a bit nervous, but every day I’m feeling stronger. And after running half of this great province and meeting new people, it’s inspiring me to keep going,” he said.